BBC Worldwide is appointing an iPlayer exec from the BBC itself to drive through its plan to launch an overseas version of the VOD service. Global iPlayer Launch Director is to be Mark Smith, who has been filling the role of general manager for programmes and on-demand.

It means BBC Worldwide will have an exec with direct experience of the UK catch-up service. iPlayer is not available outside the UK because rights from show producers were signed on a UK-only basis, allowing the producers to commercialise their work following an initial window of BBC linear and VOD exclusivity.

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